Utilities

Haldwani (Nainital) today houses people of nearly all religions who have migrated and settled down in town in addition to the local Kumaonis and Garhwalis. This confluence of cultures is as evident in the architecture of the town as in the culture, occasions for celebration, attire and cuisine.

Language

Kuamoni and Hindi are the primary languages spoken in Haldwani. Urdu is prevalent amongst the muslim community while Punjabi is spoken by the large Sikh community settled in the town.

Traditional Clothing

Clothing of the women are ghaghras and full-sleeved shirts. Pichoras are worn on special occasions. The men wear pajamas and a long coat with a woollen cap.
The women wear lehengas and ghaghras ( full skirts ) with full-sleeved jackets. Special occasions call for the traditional attire of a 'Rangwali Picchora' with an ornate lace border covering the head. The men wear long coats with pyjamas and a woollen cap, an indispensable part of their costume.

>> Rangwali Pichhora

Rangwali Pichhaura is a garment worn at ceremonial occasions in Uttarakhand. From bride to great grandmother, every women in the family wear it on occasions be it namkarna or marriage, upanayan or mundon. It has a special significance and mandatory for all married women in the family or close relation. Another salient feature of Rangwali Pichhora is that it can be put on by widows also, those as per social traditions, they are not supposed to wear colourful garments.

Traditional songs /Dances

Similar to the rest of the Kumaon region ,musical instruments like the Hurka, Turturi and Dhol are played by the people of Haldwani. Dances like the Chholia Nritya, a traditional war dance with a sword and shield, the Jhora, a group dance and the Chhapeli are also predominant in this region. Folk songs are usually devotional and have heroic mythological themes. Love songs and songs with moral messages are also popular. Bhangra and giddha are also popular amongst the Sikh Community.

Style Of Building Houses/Materials used

Houses in Kumaon are traditionally built with an elevated living area where the inhabitants live and a shed on the ground level where the cattle is housed. Houses are made of stone, tin, mud and grass, with floors of wood or stone. Haldwani has seen rapid urbanization over the past two decades which has led to the growth of construction of buildings erected for commercial purposes. These are similar to buildings built in the metropolises with contemporary designs. Also the rise in the disposable income of locals has led to well known consumer barnds setting up shop in the town. Such showrooms are located in modern glass and stone buildings.

Traditional Way Of Life

Haldwani has always been an important transit and trading town. Trading in merchandise and goods has been a primary source of income for over a hundred years. Agriculture has also traditionally been and has remained to the present day ,an important means of livelihood in the town.